Keep yourself safe

One way to protect yourself and your children from domestic abuse is to develop a personal safety plan.

Think about where you would go in an emergency

Plan how you would respond in different situations including an escape route from each room in the house and which doors you would use

If you fear violence may occur avoid the kitchen and bathroom as these rooms have hard surfaces and may contain items which could be used as weapons

Consider agreeing a “code” with family and friends so that they can call police for help if you are unable to do so

Talk to neighbours if possible so that they are aware of the situation and can call police if they hear or see anything suspicious

Keep a mobile phone to hand and charged

Teach your children how to dial 999 in an emergency and what information they should provide, give them ‘permission’ to ring police

If safe to do so, pack an emergency bag (see below) and keep it either hidden at home or with a trusted neighbour/friend/family member

Try to keep keys and some money easily accessible so that you can leave quickly if needed

If you ring the police on 999 keep the phone line open, describe what is happening, where you are, where the pepetrator is, what he is doing etc so the police know what they are coming to and the call is recorded

Any small items of sentimental value, such as photographs, jewellery or a child’s soft toy

Clothing and toiletries (basic items only).

Safety planning after you have left

Separation can be the time when you are most vulnerable and at risk from domestic abuse. There are a number of ways you can help to increase your safety, including:

Tell trusted friends, family members, neighbours, your employer and those looking after your children (such as school, nursery, child minder) that you are no longer with the perpetrator

If you are entitled to make adjustments to your property, consider changing or adding locks to doors and windows and other security measures such as smoke detectors/security lighting and remember that a sanctuary scheme referral may be possible (see relevant section on this website for further details)

Change your telephone numbers and use an answerphone to screen calls
alter your routines and avoid any places which you know the perpetrator frequents

Keep a record of any incidents when the perpetrator harasses, threatens or intimidates you to include the date, time and what was said or done and report to police.

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